Dunford Takes Command Of Foreign Forces In Afghanistan

U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford at a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington in November

U.S. Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford has assumed command of the NATO-led coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Dunford took over command from U.S. General John Allen, who had commanded the forces for the last 19 months.

Dunford is widely expected to be the last commander of international-coalition forces in Afghanistan, as the U.S.-led coalition prepares to end its combat mission by the end of 2014.

Dunford will oversee the handover of security operations to Afghan forces and the withdrawal of most international troops.

In an interview on February 9, outgoing commander Allen said he believed the coalition was "on the road to winning" the 11-year war in Afghanistan.

Based on reporting by AFP, McClatchy, and Reuters